Description
A Wonderful Country
Book Summary
A vibrant and well-documented account of the years immediately preceding the American Civil War. Samuel Woodworth Cozzens transports us to the legendary Wild West between 1858 and 1860, traveling through Arizona and New Mexico. The reader will accompany the author on a fascinating journey where they will meet historical figures such as Mangas Coloradas and Cochise, witness conflicts with the Apache, and discover the vestiges of Spanish colonization. A work that combines the entertainment of an adventure with the rigor of a fundamental historical testimony.
What is it about?
The book chronicles Samuel Woodworth Cozzens's real-life journey through the most untamed territories of the American West just before the Civil War. Throughout his trek, the author encounters great Apache chiefs such as Mangas Coloradas and Cochise and witnesses the violent confrontations that preceded open warfare between natives and settlers. Furthermore, he explores iconic locations such as the Casas de Moctezuma and Jesuit missions, offering a unique perspective on the history of Arizona and the Spanish influence in the region. The narrative is enriched by the escapades of his young Irish servant, providing a humorous counterpoint to a harsh and fascinating reality.
Main Themes
- Exploration and discovery of the American West in the 19th century.
- Conflicts and relations between settlers and Apache tribes before the Civil War.
- Historical figures of the Old West, such as Mangas Coloradas and Cochise.
- Traces of Spanish colonization in the Southwestern United States.
- Adventure and travel as an experience of personal transformation.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers interested in the history of the United States, the exploration of the American West, and 19th-century real-life travelogues. It is also an ideal work for those who enjoy adventure narratives based on documented facts and for those looking for a different perspective on Spanish colonization in North America.
What this book offers
- A firsthand account of a crucial and under-documented era of the American West.
- A nuanced view of the relations between Native Americans and settlers, far from stereotypes.
- The discovery of Hispanic influence in territories such as Arizona and New Mexico.
- An enjoyable read that combines historical rigor with anecdotes and humor.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Woodworth Cozzens, Samuel
- Publisher: Ediciones del Viento, S.L.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Modern and contemporary fiction, Geographical discovery and exploration, Travel literature
- Collection: Viento Simún
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: October 2011
- Number of pages: 368
- Weight: 651 g
Editorial Review
An essential title for lovers of history and travel literature. Cozzens's work offers exceptional testimonial value by portraying a pre-Civil War West, with direct encounters with Apache leaders and a clear-eyed look at the Spanish legacy. His narrative style, agile and sprinkled with humor, turns a historical document into an entertaining and accessible read for a broad audience.